I’ve had the great pleasure of shooting for Utah Business Magazine for the past 2 years or so, and I believe that this experience has led me to become a better portrait photographer. Most of the people who end up in front of my camera for these shoots are not exactly ecstatic to be photographed. This is simply the case with most people who are not professional models, or influencers, whatever that word means… I realized pretty early on that my people skills had to improve if I wanted to get something special out of my subjects. The great Annie Leibovitz once stated: “There’s this idea that it’s the portrait photographer’s job to set the subject at ease. I don’t believe in setting people at ease.” This is only works some of the time in my experience, but I believe that most people do need to be guided towards a place where they can slightly lower their guard. Most people have a rehearsed “photo face,” but that’s the last thing I want. I’m always on a mission to get a look, a moment that seems candid, genuine, and authentic.